In 1983, recognizing the alarming rate at which children continued to be abused and neglected and the need for innovative programs to prevent child abuse and assist parents and families affected by maltreatment, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives proclaimed April the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

In keeping with continued efforts to nationally promote the awareness of child abuse and neglect, the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) joined in promoting this effort.

For the 10th year in a row, during Child Abuse Awareness Prevention Month, the Diocese of Venice will be offering annual Masses in prayer for the victims of abuse. These Masses will be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane and take place at 8:30 a.m., April 19 at Epiphany Cathedral 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice; and then at 8 a.m., on April 20 at St. William Parish, 750 Seagate Dive, Naples. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

âThe Diocese of Venice is committed to providing a comprehensive program to protect the most vulnerable from all types of abuse while raising awareness to prevent abuse from happening in the first place,â Bishop Dewane said.

In addition to the Masses, each year the Diocese of Venice conducts Safe Environment Program training sessions. The mission of the Safe Environment Program is to provide education for all employees (clergy, religious and laity), those volunteers and others regularly involved with minors, and parents, about the issue of abuse of children, including the detection, prevention and reporting of child abuse. Each year thousands complete this important program. In addition, the Safe Environment Program has a component which includes training sessions for children and young people in Catholic schools. The Diocese annually undergoes a comprehensive audit from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection to ensure that the Diocese of Venice is in compliance with current directives.

For a more detailed information about what the Diocese of Venice does to prevent abuse or where the nearest Safe Environment class is being held, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/safeenvironment.